Two crude bombs found near Mahaboddhi temple in Bodh Gaya amid Dalai Lama visit

BODH GAYA: Two crude bombs were found near the Mahaboddhi temple in Bodh Gaya in Bihar, where Tibetian spiritual leader Dalai Lama is camping, prompting authorities to heighten security.

The National Investigation Team were called in and they conducted searches in the area. "Information was received that a blast has taken place opposite the Kalchakra ground at 4.45 pm on Friday in Bodh Gaya. It is said that the blast happened in a flask kept under a generator at a tea shop/kitchen opposite the ground. The police found some wires coming out," the NIA said.

"Later searches were conducted in the vicinity by police and two objects, suspected to be IEDs were recovered. On receipt of this preliminary information, a team of NIA officials including one SP and one explosives' expert has been dispatched to visit the site," NIA added.

The bombs were found on Friday night, police said.

Police have denied media reports that claimed that the bombs were found inside the Mahaboddhi temple. 

"Security was already tight in Bodh Gaya but it was further reinforced," he added.

Security of foreign monasteries and other sensitive places have also been beefed up and additional security forces have been deployed.

A senior police official camping in Bodh Gaya said that three suspected persons have been found roaming in Bodh Gaya.

Police will identify them soon, he said.

In 2013, a series of bombs exploded at Bodh Gaya`s Mahaboddhi temple in which two Buddhist monks were injured.